Phylistine Franklin was born December 6, 1940, in Quitman Mississippi to the late Jimmie Brown and Clara Lott-Brown. Phylis relocated to Racine, Wisconsin in 1965 where she was a homemaker. In 1966, she met Robert Franklin, and later went on to work for Liebenow's Catering. They would go on to marry on October 27, 1987, where she became a dedicated housewife. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose love and wisdom enriched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Phylis was the loving matriarch of a family that she cherished above all else. She was the proud mother of six children. Her love extended even further to her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, for whom she played an irreplaceable role in their upbringing, shaping them with nurturing guidance and heartfelt care. She will be fondly remembered for the warmth of her home-cooked meals, each dish a labor of love that brought her family together. Her gifted hands stitched countless quilts, each one a testament to her creativity and the love she poured into every thread. She was a faithful member of Christ Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, where she was under the direction of the late Pastor William A. Lofton and the late Pastor Mark D. Gates. In her quiet moments, she found joy in word searches, staying informed on the latest news, and listening to gospel music. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she was often found watching sermons on her tablet.

On Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the age of 84, Phylis lost her health battle and went to be with the Lord for eternity. Her legacy is one of love, strength, and faith. Before she left this earth she taught us the value of family, the importance of kindness, and the enduring power of prayer. Her absence will leave a void in our hearts forever, but her memory will continue to guide and inspire us for life.

She was preceded in death by her father; Jimmie Brown, mother; Clara Lott Brown, brother; JL Brown, and sister; Bertha Wainwright. She leaves behind an abundance of loving memories to her seven siblings, JW Brown, Dorothy Williams, Louise Bostick, James (Ethel) Brown, Alice (Conaway) Johnson, Gloria Cannady, and Florine Graves; her six children, Wayne Brown, Micheal (Lynn) Strickland, James Lavalle (Rose) Brown, Tina Brown, Darian Brown, and Sandra (James) Glenn, her beloved grandchildren; Danny (Jessica) Brown, Ocie (Brittany) Peet, Preston (Nesli) Brown, Taylor (Schanne) Cade, Deidra Cole, Justin Brown, Naima (O'She') Irby, Courtney Brown, Leland Brown, Quincy Brown, and Leia Brown; her treasured great-grandchildren; Ellana Brown, Thomas Cole III, Avelyn Brown, Ayla Brown, Avery Brown, Quest Cade, Mars Cade, Onyx Cade, Cori Irby, and many more; and countless others that loved and admired her including her special former daughter-in-law Peggy Brown.

Service Details

Her Homegoing service will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  A visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service.  Interment will take place on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in West Lawn Memorial Park. To view Phylistine's Homegoing, please click the following link: https://www.facebook.com/dlfuneralhome/live